Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad

Introduction

This Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad takes the classic combination you love and turns up the flavor with smoky spices and fresh Tex-Mex ingredients. You get the creamy, garlicky base of a Caesar paired with hearty beans, corn, and zesty lime for a satisfying one-bowl meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a standout dish for your next gathering.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

¾ cup homemade Caesar Salad Dressing or good quality store-bought (such as Litehouse brand)
1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha (to taste)
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon coriander
½ lime (juiced)
4 cups chopped romaine hearts
2 cups roughly chopped mixed baby greens
2 cups chopped or sliced fully cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken)
15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
⅓ cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese
1 or 2 avocados (sliced)
tortilla strips or chips (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl or a measuring cup, make the Southwest Caesar Dressing by whisking together the ¾ cup Caesar dressing, 1 to 2 teaspoons of Sriracha, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon coriander, and the juice from the ½ lime. Set aside.
In a large salad bowl, combine the 4 cups of chopped romaine hearts and the 2 cups of chopped mixed baby greens.
To the greens, add the 2 cups of cooked chicken, the can of rinsed and drained black beans, 1 cup of thawed corn, 1 cup of halved tomatoes, and ⅓ cup of chopped cilantro.
Pour the prepared Southwest Caesar Dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly and lightly coated with the dressing.
Top the tossed salad with 1 cup of shredded cheese and the sliced avocado(s). Garnish with tortilla strips or chips just before serving, if desired.

Variations

Grill It: For a smokier flavor, grill a seasoned chicken breast, let it rest, and slice it instead of using rotisserie chicken.
Wrap It: Spoon the prepared salad into large flour tortillas or lettuce cups for a handheld lunch.
Deconstruct It: Serve the salad ingredients and dressing separately in a buffet style, allowing everyone to build their own bowl.
Warm It Up: Briefly sauté the black beans and corn in a skillet before adding them to the salad for a warm, hearty element.

Tips for Success

Control the Heat: Start with 1 teaspoon of Sriracha in the dressing, then taste and add more after mixing if you prefer more spice.
Prep Ahead: Make the spiced Caesar dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
Keep It Crisp: Wait to add the avocado and tortilla garnish until immediately before serving to prevent sogginess.
Dry Your Greens: Ensure your romaine and baby greens are thoroughly dried after washing for the dressing to cling properly.

Storage & Reheating

Store undressed salad (without avocado and chips) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately. If you have leftover dressed salad, it’s best enjoyed the same day as the greens will wilt. This salad is not recommended for reheating, as the fresh ingredients are meant to be served cold.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, for best results, prepare the dressing and chop all the ingredients (except avocado) ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving.

Is there a substitute for Sriracha?

You can use another hot sauce like Cholula or Frank’s RedHot, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat without the specific Sriracha garlic flavor.

Can I use uncooked chicken?

Absolutely. You can cook 1 to 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs (seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin) and slice or chop it for the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be, provided your chosen Caesar dressing is gluten-free and you use certified gluten-free tortilla strips or omit them.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, pinto beans or even chickpeas would be a good substitute for the black beans.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

You can simply omit it or substitute it with an equal amount of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions.